Troy township, first known as "Welshfield Woods," then as Welshfield township, is [in] the south tier of Geauga county
townships, and separated from Trumbull county by Parkman....

TROY.109

Youngstown. For eleven professional visits...

110TROY.

Phebe Fowler, the daughter...

TROY.111

fire in the one room.

980TROY.

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PIONEER WOMEN OF TROY.

GEAUGA COUNTY

(Additional)

In the early autumn of 1821...

BAINBRIDGE.287

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PIONEER WOMEN OF BAINBRIDGE.

GEAUGA COUNTY

1798 - 1840.

In this centennial of the greater Cleveland, it seems fitting to turn
"Backward, turn backward,
O time, in thy flight,"
And make this a year
Filled with memories bright.
Mary Carter, with her husband, David McConoughey, and their family, including three daughters, arrived here
from Blanford, Mass., in 1810. Their
journey thither was extremely tedious and
dreary. The distance was six hundred miles, and the time occupied fifty-three days. The last night of their
journey was spent in Bedford, where they camped, and were serenaded through the weary hours by packs of hungry
wolves that seemed chanting their own death song, as well they might at the coming of this family, who aided
much in their extermination. The McConougheys settled on the farm now owned by Lucas Hurd. It was in the midst
of a dense forest, and their log house was of the most primitive construction. The nearest neighbor, a brother
in Aurora, was six miles away. Between these two homes were forest, marshes, and almost impassable streams.
Wild beasts were all about them, and the new comers must have experienced many sad, lonely hours, when the
friends of former days and their dear home in the East were tearfully remembered. But they were people of much
practical good sense, and the wife and mother had a purpose in coming here, which if accomplished would repay
her for all the trials and privations of the undertaking. She wished to save the family from the blighting
curse of intemperance which threatened the destruction of all she held most dear. The result proved the
wisdom of her undertaking. She had the great joy of seeing her husband become a Christian, and total abstainer
from all intoxicating drinks; to see her children grow up intelligent, respectable, utterly abhoring rum and
the rum traffic.

Her youngest child was the first born in the township. This son, Rev. A. N. McConoughey, studied four years at
Oberlin College, graduated in theology, and was active in the ministry for over forty years.

The eldest daughter, Mary E., married Zebnia Kennedy, of Aurora, in 1813. This was the first marriage in
Bainbridge, Esquire Blackman, of Aurora, officiating. Mr. Kennedy did not live long, and the widow afterward
married Julius Riley, of Aurora. She was familiarly known as "Aunt Polly," and noted for her many deeds of
kindness.

The second daughter of Mrs. McConoughey married Horace Crosby, of Bainbridge, but resided in Oberlin most of
her long life. She was a woman of taste and refinement, prominent in society during the early days of Oberlin
College.

288BAINBRIDGE.

Portia Ann, born in Blanford in 1801, married Asahel North, her brother, P. D. McConoughey, officiating at the
nuptials. She was a valued member of society for many years.

The son already mentioned married Margaret Nettleton. After the passage of the fugitive slave law, their home
was a place where those unfortunates found rest, where they were furnished with clothing and helped on their
way to freedom.

As well may be presumed, the mother of this interesting family, Mary Carter McConoughey, was a woman of superior
intellect, and retained her faculties unimpaired to the last hours of her life. She died aged ninety-three
years.

Jasper Lacy and family came in soon after the McConougheys. They remained here a few years, then removed to
Aurora. Many of Mrs. Lacy's descendants were teachers.

The third family that settled in the township was that of Gamaliel Kent, 1811. They were from Suffield, Conn.
Mrs. Kent (Deborah Huntington) was a woman of intelligence, of culture, and good executive ability; ever ready
to bear her full share of the burden of pioneer life.

In 1818, while neighbors were few, and they widely scattered, Mrs. Kent conceived the idea of having the then
almost impassable roads improved. She appointed a day and place of meeting, and asked every man, woman, and
child, who was able to work on the road. Nearly all complied with the request, and by her direction the men
felled the trees, the boys cut off the branches, and the women and children carried and piled the brush.
Before night they had cleared a road a half-mile in length and broad enough for a wagon to pass. Mrs. Kent
provided supper for the company.

While the country was still new Mrs. Kent made the entire journey to Suffield, her childhood home, on horseback
to visit her daughter, Delia Kent McCartey.

The second daughter, Laura, was twice married. These two daughters, with their brothers' wives, Mrs. Clarissa
Blish Kent, and Mrs. Lucy Bull Kent, were mothers of intelligent, refined, and cultured families, the members
of which held many responsible positions in society. In their homes the best literature was provided. Five
girls from each of the first two families became teachers.

The McConougheys and Kents were the only families in town until 1814, when George Smith, with his wife,
Susannah, and five children, moved in. They had buried a little son at LeRoy, N. Y., while en route from the
East.

Mr. Smith settled on the farm from which Jasper Lacy, Sr., had removed. He purchased additional land,
amounting to four hundred acres, for which he paid $3 per acre. There was some clearing done and a log house
built, although it was without doors or windows when the family moved in. This was the
house where the first religious services were held, and was a place of worship for several years.

Susannah Smith's daughter, Maria, was the first girl born in Bainbridge. She became Mrs. Gorham, and still
lives, with her husband, at an advanced age, on the home farm.
"Only waiting for the shadows
To be a little longer grown."
Another daughter, Harriet, became Mrs. David McIntosh, of Shalersville, and Laura, Mrs. Lyman Fowler. These
noble women have done much to elevate society.

Robert Smith and family came in the fall of 1814 from Washington, Mass., and bought a farm of five hundred
acres, for which he paid $1.50 per acre. In 1822 they built a commodious frame house, the first in the town.
This stood until a few years ago, and was known as "Smith Castle." The eldest daughter of this family married
Dr. David Shipherd, the first physician in Bainbridge. He was very skillful, and proved a benefactor to the
people, among whom he and his estimable wife continued to live during their long and useful lives.

The second daughter, Rachel, in relating her experience in the new country, said: "Our mother taught her
children economy, prudence, and frugality, which served us well when making homes for ourselves." She also said
they were obliged to be very careful of their shoes, and to make them last a long time; often went barefooted
to church, or put them on just before entering the church.

On one occasion when Rachel and her mother were on their way to church, and while stopping to put on their
shoes, they were surprised by the presence of a young man of fine appearance, who asked if he could accompany
them "to meeting." The request was granted, and the acquaintance so singularly begun
resulted in marriage, and Rachel Smith became Mrs. George Wilber. A son of this couple was a graduate
of Williams College and one of the first teachers in Hiram Institute. The daughters are all women of culture.

The spring of 1816 Enos Kingsley,

BAINBRIDGE.289

from Becket, Mass., with his fair bride (Sally Harris) arrived and commenced life in earnest in a log house in
the wilderness. The following winter Mrs. Kingsley died, leaving an infant daughter to the care of strangers.
This was the first death in the settlement, and all the circumstances connected with it were very sad indeed.
She was a very intelligent, refined amiable woman, much believed by all who knew her.

Mr. Kingsley afterward married Miss Mary Mann, a teacher, and an excellent lady, who proved a true mother to
the little Sally. Mary Kingsley proved a heroine after her marriage. Her husband was an invalid for many years,
and they met with financial losses, but by her perseverance and industry and the help of neighbors, the family
was made comfortable. She spun and wove for her neighbors, shopped, piled brush, and helped prepare a piece of
land for cultivation.

Sally Harris Kingsley, who was so fortunate in having such a kind step-mother, became Mrs. John Fitch, and
reflected in her long life of usefulness the same motherly love she had received in childhood.

Mrs. Kingsley's own daughter, Jane, married Warren Fairbanks. She still lives, a well preserved old lady, who
works for the good of others.

During the years 1817, '18, and '19 Bainbridge witnessed the arrival of several large families, principally
from Massachusetts. Among them were the Elys, Howards, Fowlers, and Osbornes. Simon Henry's family consisted of
himself, wife Rhoda, and ten children. There were the families of Deacon Childs and Justice Bissell. The latter
kept the first post office. The McFarlands were numerous and consisted of the families the families of
Haskings, Vincents, Benjamins, and Phillips.

Mrs. Celestia Ely married Albert Haskings, and is the only surviving child of Mrs. Joseph Ely. She moves about
with a grace acquired while young, though past four score years, and her mind is seemingly as clear as ever.
When asked to relate the experiences of her pioneer life, she said: "We moved into a log house without door or
windows, only a puncheon floor over part of the room, just enough to put up the beds. Blankets were hung where
the window and door ought to be, while green logs were piled a few feet high for a chimney. We children were
obliged to go to bed to keep warm and avoid suffocation from smoke. We lived in this way all winter, for father
took cold and had the rheumatism, rendering him unable to finish the house until spring.

"This was about the first season maple sugar was made in the township, and father sold a quantity, for which
he received twenty-five cents per pound. Wheat could not be sold for more than fifty cents per bushel, and
seldom for cash. Sugar brought money, and much of this was used for taxes. Girls don't know anything about
spinning and weaving nowadays. I am quite sure some do not know the meaning of distaff. Mother never had a
tablecloth or towel that she did not make at home, and for many years father and the boys did not have a
cotton shirt but what we made."

The "mother," Mrs. Ruby Ely, here referred to, was mother of Rev. L. W. Ely, an efficient member of the
Northern Ohio conference for forty years. Celestia can show many fine specimens of artistic needlework, bits
of lace nicely finished, showing ingenuity and skill. Also a very fine table spread embroidered in colors,
which is nearly two hundred years old.

The Henrys came from Berkshire, Mass. This family have done much for the cause of education
as ministers and teachers. Aunt Polly Henry and Aunt Mary French will always be remembered as faithful
attendants at church and true church workers in every sense of the word. "Aunt Mary" was the milliner of
the town long before she became Mrs. French.

Rhoda married Robert Root and lived for many years a life of usefulness. Calvin married Loretta Jackson, who
lived on the old farm many years. She is remembered as a devout Christian lady of an unusually lovely
character. She is living in Cleveland with her daughter, Mrs. Brown.

Mrs. Lydia Kingsley Childs, wife of Deacon Childs, was an earnest worker in the Congregational Church for more
than fifty years.

"Aunt Patty" Howard Howard is well remembered for her earnest work and for her kindness to children.

The McFarland families came from Berkshire, Mass. Daniel McFarland purchased two thousand acres of land here
which was divided among his children. Their first night in the wilderness was an event long remembered. The
wife and daughters in their rudely constructed log house were kept in a state of alarm at the howling of
wolves outside. The mother was so frightened as to cause hemorrhage of the nose, which nearly cost her life,
and from the effects of which she never fully recovered.

While conversing with an old gentleman, a few days since, he said: "I have

290BAINBRIDGE.

been acquainted with this large family from boyhood. The women were a power in their families. Intelligent,
prudent, economical -- qualities which served them well in securing homes for themselves, their children, and
grandchildren.

Aunt "Visa" Haskins, daughter of Daniel McFarland, was the first to make cheese in Bainbridge, a business
which afterward became the leading industry of the town. She was excellent in the sickroom and her wise counsel
and advice were ever sought for. Her sisters, Polly and Clara, married brothers by the name of Jenks. They
moved to Rockford, Ill., and the following is from a Rockport [sic] paper:

"Mrs. Clara Jenks, aged eighty-six years, has just finished the Chautauqua course of study. She commenced the
course six years ago and has been a diligent student since that time. In that period she has read all the
lectures and familiarized herself with all the many branches of study embraced in the course. Notwithstanding
her advanced years she still retains her ability to see and hear as well as ever. Much of her spare time is
spent in making fancy work. She is an intelligent old lady and a bright conversationalist. The diploma, of
which she is justly proud, was received from Bishop Vincent, with whom she has long enjoyed a personal
acquaintance."

Joseph Chamberlain, who came from East Haddam, Conn., in 1825, married Miss Louisa Brown, who by her many
virtues gained the esteem of the entire community, where she resided for fifty years.

Mrs. Josiah Nettleton (Sally Fuller), better known as "Aunt Sally," was a weaver of beautiful coverlets and
fine linen. She was regarded as one of the most amiable and intelligent women in the community, a skillful
nurse, ever ready to visit the sick. She was the wife of the man who killed the last bear, seer, and wolf in
Bainbridge. But many names worthy of extensive mention can only be noted here.

"Aunt Mary" Chamberlain was a fine lady of "ye olden time," and one of the first school teachers.

Between 1833 and 1840 many Eastern people came to Bainbridge. The names of some of the families were Bliss,
Burgess, Bonny, Ellis, Brown, Goodsell, Giles, and Milo.

The first school house was built of round logs in 1825, not a model of comfort by any
means, but these things were not thought of at that time. "Aunt Betsy" says: "If we could have enough to
satisfy hunger and shoes to wear we could withstand the hard benches and a cold now and then, for mother's
pepper tea or a little piera was sure to bring us all right again. I shouldn't wonder if we enjoyed ourselves
as well as the children of to-day."

Not so with Cousin Rhoda, who distinctly remembers not having a good time. The teacher would often tell her
if she was not a good girl "the bears would come out of the woods and eat her up." This so frightened her that
when alone and in the darkness she momentarily expected to see the ugly creature before her. To this she
attributed her nervousness and poor health.

Grandman Brown recalls many times when, mischievously disposed, she was call out to stand for an hour on one
foot, with a split goose quill on her nose, while tall "rods of correction" stood in one corner of the room.

The Niece family, consisting of nine sons and one daughter, were all teaching at one time sufficiently near
home to meet there once a week. Sally Niece is remembered as giving many rewards of merit. The Misses Abigail
and Nathalie Lacy, Miss Arvilla Root, and Miss Sheldon, are also kindly remembered as teachers. The latter
taught twenty-nine terms and was the first teacher to allow sewing and drawing in the schools after the lessons
were committed.

Mrs. Ira Foot (Eliza Benjamin) remembered on returning from a visit to a cousin's of seeing a young fawn start
from a thicket in her path. She gave chase, caught it, and carried it home in her apron for a pet.

Too much praise cannot be given to the mothers of the first half of the nineteenth century, for their courage,
untiring energy, and influence which is still felt in the community. "High on the roll of honor will stand the
names of our sisters, daughters, wives, and mothers, who perform the duties of the home with unfaltering
courage, lofty faith, and holy love."

Auburn is situated in the southern range of townships of "Old Geauga" (which was the second county on the
Reserve), midway between Cleveland and Warren, and before railroads were known, was a central point of the
old stage lines running from Cleveland to Warren, and from Painesville to Portsmouth, a town situated on
the Ohio river.

If there is anything which should be of value to the citizens of a township it would seem to be more than all
else a knowledge of the part taken by women in all that relates to the welfare and best interests of its
early settlement. These women left homes of culture and refinement, breaking family ties, abandoning schools,
churches, and all the comforts of an older country to seek hopes in this, then the "far west."

The first to come was Mrs. Bildad Bradley (Emily Vesey) with her husband and one child. They first located in
Newburg in 1813, there remaining until the spring of 1815, when Mr. Bradley purchased land on the north line of
Auburn township, put up a log cabin, and moved in. This was the first house built in the township. Mrs. Bradley
was a native of Vermont, and there married her husband in 1809.

She was a kind, sympathetic woman. Although her family cares were many, she ever was ready to assist her
friends and neighbors in times of sickness, going many times long distances to relieve those in distress. At
an advanced age she died on the farm in 1859 and Mr. Bradley died there in 1865. Thus passed away the first
settlers.

Mrs. John Jackson (Huldah Chadwick) was born in Tyringham, Mass. In the fall of 1815, with five children, a
hired man, tems, and two well-laden wagons, they emigrated to Ohio, encountering the autumn storms and the
fearful roads along the lake shore near Erie, where they were able to travel but one mile per day.

Late in November they arrived in Auburn, having been forty-one days on the road. They stayed the first night
with Mr. Bradley, and the next morning took up their abode in the log cabin which Mr. Jackson had built the
June previous. Blankets were substituted for windows and doors.

AUBURN.517

Late that afternoon the men started for Burton for provisions, leaving Mrs. Jackson alone with her children,
the youngest a small babe. Soon after dark the wolves made their appearance. Mrs. Jackson gathered her
frightened children about her, and with the babe in her arms

CROUCHED BY THE FIRE,

with only a blanket between her and the howling bests without. Late in the evening the men returned, and with
torches drove the wolves away.

The following winter was long and cold, and was followed by the cold season of 1816, remembered because frosts
were seen in every month of the year.

Mrs. Jackson was left a widow in 1824 with seven children. Being by nature a very energetic woman, and an
expert tailoress, she by this means, together with the farm, was able to bring up her family to fill honorably
their respective places in society.

Bestsey Belcher (wife of Daniel Wheelock) was among the very early settlers. But little is known of her,
except that she was amost excellent woman. She died in 1855.

Lury, daughter of Oliver and Roxana Snow, was born in Tyringham, Mass., in 1796, and in 1814 married Zadock
Renwee. In the fall of 1815, with a babe six months old, a horse team, covered wagon and what few things they
could carry, they journeyed from South Tyringham to Auburn, making the trip in 32 days. One Saturday night, in
the fall of 1817, Mrs. Reuwee remembered that she had borrowed some flour of a neighbor, one-half mile away.
Not dreaming any harm would befall her little boy, she put him to bed and took the flour home, going as quickly
as possible. On her return she saw the home on fire; and ere they could rescue the child, it perished in the
flames. This was the first funeral held in Auburn, and the sermon, as near as we can
learn, was the first preached in the township.

Drusilla Moore was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., in 1793. There she married Enoch Hayes, and to them was born
one child, Chester G. Hayes. Mr. Hayes lost his life in the war of 1812. Mrs. Hayes was again married in 1816
to Wm. Crafts (a widower with one son), and together they made their bridal trip to Auburn the following
February, with an ox team and wagon, in which were their two children and all their household effects, their
cow being tied to the rear of the wagon.

Mrs. Crafts was a women well fitted to share the trials and privations of pioneer life, and one who was ever
ready to bear her full share of its burdens. Six children were born to them, all of whom are now living but one.

Another noble pioneer was Hannah Orton, second wife of David Smith, Sr., who came here from Connecticut in
1816. She was a woman of quiet domestic tastes. Her life was full of graciousness and her good deeds were many.
Her five stepchildren honored and loved her. Mrs. Smith's husband was the first postmaster in the township,
receiving his commission in 1823. They both died in the fifties on the old homestead, at the good old age of
89 and 82 years.

In the fall of 1816 Mrs. Elihu Mott (Caroline Lothrop), with her husband and one child, moved
in from Palmyra, N. Y., and settled on the north line if the township. To their daughter,

DIDAMIA MOTT,

belongs the distinction of being the first white girl born in Auburn. The Motts lived here only a short time,
when they moved to Welshfield (now Troy). There Didamia married Daniel M. Crafts and settled in Auburn, where
she spent most of her useful life. Mrs. Crafts was ever cheerful and possessed the faculty of making friends
wherever she went, especially with the children.

Mrs. John Marble, a niece of Gen. Wolf, of revolutionary fame, was a woman of great faith. She was marvelously
versed in the Scriptures and her hopes of the "world to come" were undimmed by shallow doubt or the weakness
of decision.

Emily (Bradley) Colim, whose parents were the first settlers of Auburn, brought up a large family of children.
She was a woman of great industry, and well loved by her neighbors and friends.

Mehitable Marble, of Gocean, Mass., went with her parents to Palmyra, N. Y., and there
married Benjamin Woods in 1796. In the fall of 1817, with her husband and eight children, she came
to Auburn, and they settled on a farm just north of the corners.

Mrs. Woods was a physician of the Thompsonian school, and did valuable service in relieving the sick, not
only in

518AUBURN.

Auburn, but in the surrounding townships, frequently riding long distances on horseback through an unbroken
Wilderness.

Her last fatal illness was on one of her "professional calls," when she was stricken with apoplexy from which
she never recovered. She had a mild, gentle but firm nature, and in times when decision was necessary, she it
was who was pre-eminent.

Mrs. Phillip Ingler (a sister of Mrs. Benj. Woods) came in 1817 from Palmyra, N. Y.
Her husband was a great hunter, and on one of his exploits, was shot and killed by a party of hunters, who took
him for a bear.

Mrs. Ingler was a woman of marked eccentricity and a very devoted Christian. After her husband's untimely death,
she set apart one day each month to fast and pray. On one of these fast days she was found dead in her room.

Elizabeth (Wilber) Gordineer was a native of Rhode Island, and came to Auburn in 1817 from
New York. She was born during the "Tea Party" in Boston harbor, and came into the world with a natural
hatred of "taxation without representation." Each year, or often as the tax collector put in his appearance,
she resumed the fight, sometimes with a railing speech. A niece writes that Mrs. Gordineer was endowed with a
wonderful memory; that she had heard her repeat the whole Book of Job

Mrs. Butts is the only one living, and she resides with her daughter, Rosina, at Auburn. Mrs. Butts is a
remarkably preserved woman, and has a very retaining memory, calling with pleasure incidents and dates of these
early days.

The year 1817 brought Amasa Turner and wife, nee Polly Thayer, Lewis Finley and wife, John and Lewis Bosworth
and families, from Walworth, N. Y.

Mrs. Rebecca (Bowler) Wilber, of "blessed memory," was one of the very early settlers, not later than 1817.
Together with her husband, Pardon Wilber, and three children, George, William and
Rebecca, she came to Auburn from Schoharie, N. Y., and located in the western part of the township.

A native of Rhode Island and of Yankee parentage, she was a woman of strong personality, never failing common
sense, accompanied by a keen sense of humor. Her ready sympathy and neighborly helpfulness in times that tried
men's souls, made her a model neighbor and a delightful companion and friend.

She was a good Methodist, attended all the conference meetings within twenty miles or more on horseback (her
sure-footed "Old Nell," her companion for more than thirty years), through dense forests, with no guide, only
blazed trees.

Her garb was a compromise between the Quaker and Martha Washington style. The close lace cap and folded
neckerchief, with her old-fashioned manners, form a picture of never-failing delight in the memories of her
grandchildren, which the present or "coming woman" can never hope to eclipse. She passed to the higher life
at the age of 83 years, at the home of her son, William, in Toledo, O.

Nancy Turner, who was the wife of Charles Hinckley, came to Auburn in 1817 from Walworth, N. Y., with ox teams
and by sledding, and endured with fortitude the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. Her
daughters, Nancy C., became Mrs. George Fox, and Lenina became Mrs. A. Morse. Betsey, a sister of Nancy
Turner Hinckley, married Gilbert Hinckley, and was the mother of eleven children.

She was possessed of gentle ways and affectionate disposition, which endeared her to her many friends. The last
ten years of her life she was blind, which affliction she bore without a murmur.

Her daughter, Nancy E., was a graduate from the Cleveland Homeopathy Medical College, and for many years was
associated with the water cure established at Shalersville, O. As a physician she was capable, conscientious
and painstaking.

Mrs. Rensselaer Granger (Lorana Smith), of Chester, Mass., came in 1818. Here her four daughters were born --
Minerva, Rasella, Harriet and Ellen.

The year 1818 brought Rodger W.

AUBURN.519

Antisdale and wife (nee Elizabeth Butts) from Farmington, N. Y. They had one daughter,
whose name was Betsey. In after years shed became Mrs. Cyrus Canfield and the mother of seven children, all of
whom are now living

Mrs. Canfield is a woman possessed of fine social and intellectual qualities, has every artistic taste and is
an expert with the needle. Since she was seventy she has made seven crazy quilts; the last one, made in the
present year, is a beauty, and would so credit to one many years younger.

Sally Greeley was born in Connecticut, and while yet in her teens, accompanied her parents to Auburn, then a
dense wilderness. She was a girl of good education, and at the age of fourteen taught school in Parkman, going
back and forth on horseback through the forest with only blazed trees for her guide. In 1827 she married
George W. Antisdale, Jr., and became the mother of fourteen children, eleven of whom are now living. Mrs.
Antisdale buried her husband several years since, and now resides at Chagrin Falls, at the advanced age of
eighty-four years.

Thankful Turner, afterwards Mrs. Joseph Bartholomew, came from Walworth, N. Y., to Auburn in 1819, with her
husband and four children, the youngest only

THREE WEEKS OLD.

Five children were born here. Her son, Drayton, was killed in the battle of Gettysburg.

Mrs. Henry Canfield (Rachel Kent) was one of the early settlers of Auburn. She was born in
Manchester, N. Y., and in 1820, with her husband and ten children, began pioneer life on a farm in
the southwest part of the township. Her only daughter, Hannah, married Joseph Dodge, and is the mother of the

HON. MARTIN DODGE.

of Cleveland, O. Her sons (except three who died young) were distinguished citizens in the places where they
resided, inheriting from their mother her energy and industry.

In the summer of 1820 David Smith, Sr., very generously gave the use of a room in his log cabin for the purpose
of holding school. Here Mrs. Betsey (Orton) Woodcock, afterwards Mrs. David Smith, Jr., gathered the children
around her, as a hen gathers up her chickens, to try and imprint upon their youthful minds right ideas and
wholesome truths that would in after years bring forth good fruit. This was the beginning of common schools in
Auburn.

In 1825 Benjamin and Lydia (Hungerford) Chamberlain removed from the state of New York to
Auburn. With them came Mr. Chamberlin's mother and two brothers, and the father and mother of Mrs.
Chamberlin. They endured many hardships in their journey, their conveyances being teams and wagons.

On their way they came to an Indian village of the Cattaraugus tribe, and put up there for the night. Some of
the party slept in their wagons, others slept with the Indians in their huts and were well treated by them! At
last the journey ended, and the log houses in the forest received the tired emigrants. On the same farm where
she toiled, surrounded by a cheerless forest, the luxuries of a well earned home served to ease her declining
years.

Mrs. William Stafford was Ruth, and Mrs. David Stafford was Delilah Butts, of Farmington,
N. Y.; Mrs. Lucius Redfield (Sally Canfield), of Palmyra, N. Y., a sacrificing, noble woman, were all
residents in an early day.

To save shoes, the girls went barefooted, and many were the "Trilby feet" that wended their way through the
forest to church on the Sabbath day. One summer day Rachel Smith, who, like "Priscilla," was the spinner in
the Smith family, dressed herself in her home-spun gown, and taking her shoes in hand, went gaily through the
forest to the church. When near there she seated herself on a fallen tree for the purpose of putting on her
shoes. While thus engaged she heard footsteps in the rustling leaves, and looking up, beheld a robust young
man, a stranger, whose merry black eyes took in the situation. Thus began a friendship
that terminated in the marriage of George Wilber and Rachel Smith.

Of Mrs. Ethan Brewer (Perlie Chadwick) who lived here in an early day, but little is known, only that she had
the honor of being the first landlady in the township.

Mrs. J. Palmer Bartholomew (Mary Wilson) was a sturdy pioneer woman, enduring with fortitude the hardships of
early times. After a long and useful life

520AUBURN.

she died on the old homestead in 18__, greatly beloved and respected.

Betsey Thayer, wife of James C. Waterman, in early life was an ardent church worker. Having a sweet voice, she
was often depended upon to take charge of the singing; her husband, acting as chorister, frequently would turn
to her, saying, "Cornation Betsey."

Mrs. Betsey (Palmer) Wadsworth was the first woman to fill the position of assistant postmaster in the township,
which place she filled with honor for over seventeen years. Mrs. Wadsworth possessed a superior intellect,
scholarly tastes, and a very retentive memory, and was quite a literary woman.

Rachel Schmuck (Mrs. Daniel Frazee [sic - Frazer?]) was four weeks on the road making the journey from New
York state to Auburn with her husband and five children, in what in those days was called a "prairie
schooner." Many are the yeards of linen and wool that she has carded, spun and wove, not only for her own
family, but for those of her neighbors.

By faith she was a Quaker, and well do we remember her

QUAINT QUAKER GARB.

Her daughter, Sarah, has in her possession a counterpane made by her mother from flax and cotton, which in
those days was a great novelty.

Another beautifully rounded character was that of Mrs. Jonathan Burnell, more familiarly known as "Aunt
Lucina." She was born in Tyringham, Mass., and came to Auburn in 1822. She and her husband
were prominent in the organization of the Disciple Church in 1841. Their house was ever the ministers' house,
and among those who often shared their hospitality were the late Rev. A. S. Hayden and President James A.
Garfield.

Mrs. Henry Capron (Laura Brown) came in 1828 with her parents and settled in the wilderness with only enough
land cleared to build a log cabin, minus doors or windows. Her daughter, Sabrina, married Judge H. C. White,
of Cleveland, and Julia, the youngest, married Sherman Eggleston, of Geneva, O., with whom she now resides.

Jacob Ensign came from Pittsfield, Mass., in 1828 with his wife (Lucy Brooker) and a family of ten children,
four sons and six daughters. Sarah M., the eldest, was one of the early school teachers. Later she became Mrs.
John Richards. The Ensign girls were all fine teachers and sweet singers.

Patience McNeer, a native of New York, was a very remarkable woman. She came in 1830 with her husband (John
Hoard) and eight children and settled in Auburn Valley. Mrs. Hoard was a woman of pronounced views, a student
of the Bible and Bible history. An old gentleman says of her, "that she could quote more Scripture than any
woman he ever knew, and could give as good an exhortation as the best of ministers.

In the early thirties the people for miles around came with oxteams and carts, on horseback and on foot, to
worship in the "old black town house," situated on a high knoll at the center. Here a representative from
each family in turn was sure to be in attendance, not so much for the religious instruction to be obtained
as to meet David Smith, the postmaster, with the

MAIL IN HIS HAT.

as he was sure to be present to distribute the letters, also take up for mailing any letters the congregation
might have. The rate of postage in those days was 12 1/2, 18 3/4 and 25 cents per letter according to the
distance to be carried.

About the year 1830 we find Tile Stafford and wife (Damaras Vaughn) coming into the dense woods of South
Auburn with Jeremiah Smith and his wife (Ruth Sweet), from Palmyra, N. Y. Here they
began life as some of the early pioneers of the township.

Miss Mary Stafford, or "Aunt Mary," as she was more familiarly known, was a daughter of Tile Stafford, and
came here with her parents, a maiden in her youth, and remaining so until called home. To the brim she was
full of kind words, deeds and counsel.

Matilda Goodneough (Mrs. Luke Barney), a woman of sterling worth, emigrated from Ellisburgh, N. Y., in 1831.
She was the mother of fifteen children, all of whom grew up to manhood and womanhood and worthily filled their
places in society.

Mrs. Barney was hospitable, kind and sympathetic. A prominent member of the Baptist church; with her the
ministers of the Gospel alike were welcome, and the faithful and weary school teacher ever found a home.

AUBURN.521

Another noble character was Mrs. Benj. Barney, Sr., (Nancy Potter), of Jefferson County, N. Y. Her Bible and
prayer-book were daily loved and read. She was a charter member of the Baptist church,
organized here in 1837.

Margaret Jacobs, daughter of Samuel Jacobs, of New York city, married William Quinn, a rope-maker, in 1806.
In 1811 they moved to Pittsburgh, Pa., crossing the mountains in a wagon drawn by four horses. There Mr. Quinn
worked at rope making, and there made rope and cordage for Perry's fleet, helping to get the same across the
country on heavy wagons built for that purpose, from Pittsburgh to Erie; also helped rig the ships comprising
the fleet, which so successfully fought and won the battle on Lake Erie September 10th, 1818.

In 1832 Mrs. Quinn, with her husband and ten children came to Auburn, settling on a farm in [the] west part of
the township. During the journey to Ohio she walked much of the way, knitting as she walked. She was the
mother of ten children, who grew to maturity, much respected by all. Sympathy and charity were marked
characteristics of her life.

Polly Blodgett, of Gorham, N. Y., who became Mrs. Numan Wadsworth. was one of the active and useful women of
her time. She was a sweet singer, and those of her children and grandchildren who were musical inherited their
talent from her.

In 1832, with her husband and six children, she came from Harbor Creek, Pa., to Auburn, and spent most of her
life here.

Sarah Granger was born in Hadley, Mass., and while yet in her teens accompanied her parents to Palmyra, N. Y.
She was a girl of fine education and a teacher. A teacher's certificate, given her at Palmyra, N. Y., is still
in existence.

In 1832 she married Homer Mills and came to Auburn and began housekeeping in a log cabin, which in after years
was succeeded by a nice house, and here she spent the balance of her life. She was a sprightly, vivacious woman,
and noted for her great hospitality.

Martha Smith (Mrs. Chas. Stafford) was among the early school teachers, and to this day a few of her pupils are
left, who first secured the rudiments of an education at her hands. Later on she was associated with Jerusha
Cole and Catherine Hoyt in the millinery business.

Clarissa Lothrop (Mrs. James Dutton), of Canandaigua, N. Y., came here in 1829. She was a very benevolent and
hospitable lady. Although the mother of nine children, several adopted ones found a home beneath her roof. The
first select school was held in her house, and through the generosity of herself and husband the teacher was
paid, and many an aspiring youth was thus helped to a thorough education.

Mrs. Peter O. Hall (Lucy Ann Dutton), who left us so recently, will long be remembered for her kindness of
heart and her sterling character.

Lucy Barber, second wife of George I. Bowler, from Carlisle, N. Y., in 1833, was well fitted for pioneer life,
being skilled in all the industries and accomplishments required in those days. Endowed with courage and
perseverance, she cared for her eight stepchildren with heroic fortitude, cheerfully toiling for home and
loved ones and bearing her burdens to the end. Two sons were born to her, one of whom lost his life in the
late war.

Betsey Merrill (Mrs. William Collins) was a native of Montreal, Canada, and came to Auburn in 1834, where she
spent the balance of her life. She was a woman of great wit and humor. During the war of 1812 she had the
honor of attending a reception given

GEN. LAFAYETTE

in Rochester, N. Y.

Mrs. Moses Maynard (Lucy Davis) was born in Westboro, Mass, in 1777 and came to Auburn in 1835 with her family
Consisting of her husband and fourteen children). Here she resided until the summer of 1877 when she passed
to a higher life, lacking only seven days of the century mark. Mrs. Maynard was a most remarkable woman,
possessed of a very superior intellect and retained her faculties unimpaired till the last. Only a year previous
to her death she composed a poem of fifteen verses as an address to her relatives.

Betsey Van Wagoner was born 1795 in what is now Hyde Park on the Hudson. In 1813 she married Elias H. Fish,
and about 1836 came to Auburn, where she resided for fifteen years. The

522AUBURN.

mother of ten children, two of her sons became physicians, one a lawyer and one a teacher.

Mrs. Fish was a most superior woman. Charity shone forth in all its manifold noble elements in her daily life.
Her long life was filled with loving self-sacrificing labor for the good of others, which commanded the
respect of all who knew her. At the age of 92 years she passed away, at her home, Burr Oak, Mich.

Abigail Hinckley was born at Stonington, Conn., in 1785, and there married Daniel Etheridge, and moved to
Albany, N. Y., and from there to Walworth, N. Y. Mrs Etheridge was a woman of intellectual endowments, far
above the ordinary, and was quite gifted as a poet. With her husband and part of her children she came to
Auburn in 1886, and at once entered upon her duties as landlady of the Auburn House, which position she
occupied for many years.

Her son, Nathan, married Louisa Caldwell, of Walworth, N. Y., and they settled here in the fall of 1836. Early
left a widow with two children, Mrs. Etheridge in a few years married Chester G. Hayes, and for fifty years
Auburn was her home. Mrs. Hayes was kindly of heart and very hospitable. No one was ever turned from her door
empty handed.

Mrs. Whipple Hawkins (Polly Brown) was born in Brownsville, N. Y., in 1793. In 1838, with her husband and
eleven children, she came to Auburn.

Her daughter, Maria Antoinette, married the Rev. James Baume, of Aurora, Ill., and soon after they went to
India as missionaries, remaining there seven years. No stretch of the limits of this article can give an
adequate portrayal of the noble life of this heroic woman. From her diary we copy: "Before sailing from
England, we visited the graves of Wesley, Clark, Watson and Bunting, and on the following day went to hear
the Rev. Spurgeon at Music Hall."

Mrs. George A. Peabody (Ann Spencer) came to Auburn in 1847, where she resided until her death in 1891, at
which time her family numbered eight children, thirty grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She endeared
herself to many friends by her cheerfulness, and though her body grew old, her mind retained its youthful
vigor, and kept pace with the progress of time, and no one thought of her as aged. Her life was one of
blessedness to her fellow beings.

There are many more names worthy of an honored place in this sketch, but our space is limited and so here we
lave them. As we walk to the humble cemeteries where repose the remains of these noble, sacrificing pioneer
women, and upon the quaint old stones which mark their resting places, read their names, let us tread lightly
the sod covering their graves, and reverently whisper our acknowledgment of the great debt we owe to them.

In the early part of August, 1812, the appearance of a British vessel, as was supposed, off Conneaut,
created great alarm. Word came from Kingville that a thousand soldiers and Indians were on the way thither.
The family of Batchelor, hastily taking a few necessary articles, sought shelter beyond the Conneaut.

Before they were out of hearing the dog, accidentally left in the house, began to howl, which seemed to confirm
their worst fears, but in the morning all thing[s] were found as they had been left the previous night.

It is said of Mrs. Ezekiel Sheldon (Edith Sawin), who came with her husband from Connecticut and settled on the
Lake-shore road in 1810, that she was the first woman to prohibit liquor, the regulation beverage at the old-fashioned
raisings, on which occasion good cheer was enriched with a really elegant dinner, well cooked, well served, with
tasteful accompaniments of every kind.

A short distance east of Mr. Sheldon's was the home of Mrs. Mary Peas, wife of Wheeler Woodbury. They came to
Ashtabula from Acworth, N.H., in 1812 -- a brief residence on the Peleg Sweet farm where Mrs. Woodbury taught
several terms of school, preceding their removal to Kingsville.

On their journey to the New West the stop over night at Buffalo was vividly remembered, happening at the time of
General Van Rensselaer's attack upon the British position at Queenstown, the cannonading from either side
preventing sleep and making an early departure desirable.

After Buffalo was burned and there came a call for volunteers to check the advancing troops, Mr. Woodbury was
among those who responded, and the matter of providing the needful clothing was a miracle of accomplishment.
Shearing a fleece of wool was given into the hands of the wife and daughters, who cleansed, dyed, spun, wove
and returned the garment ready-made within twenty-four hours from the time of the clipping.

Surely the deed deserves as

CONSPICUOUS MENTION

as that of the Greek mother who, giving her son his shield and bidding him farewell, said, "Come home with it
or on it."

Always ready to contribute to a larder more barren than her own, Mrs. Woodbury more than once fainted from
overwork and hunger, after dividing her last loaf with an unfortunate neighbor.

Hon. E. B., and Hamilton, son and grandson respectively, were for many years prominent figures in legal and
political life at Jefferson; gentlemen of fine culture and widely esteemed for many admirable qualities.

The daughters were all teachers. Miss Susan Edson, the distinguished physician who nursed President Garfield
during his last illness was at one time a pupil of Miss Phebe.

The later inherited her mother's penchant for the study of medicine, but it was not until after her marriage
with Andrew Randall, of Monroe, that she made a practical application of her acquirements. To her we are
indebted for a portion of the material entering into the preparation of this article; for her, we mingled our
tears with many who gathered recently to pay the last tribute of affection to all that was mortal of one whom
to know was to love and admire.

The oldest daughter, Maria, at one time possessed the distinction of being the best grammarian in the Western
Reserve. With a mind versatile and capable of grasping broad principles, she commanded an influence in the
community where she lived.

She married Dr. Philastus Hurlbut, and is now, in her eighty-ninth year, a resident of
Gibsonburg, O.

Daniel C. and Phebe Alderman-Phelps came from Colebrook, Conn., in 1811 and established a home on the north
ridge near Ashtabula.

Of ten children three are living -- William C., Daniel M. and F. Bernard, aged respectively, eighty-nine,
eighty-seven and seventy-nine years. The former resides in West Winstead, Conn.

Mrs. Phelps was a woman of strong mind and force of character, enduring with patience the journey of forty-two
days to Ohio, with the care of three small children and the inconveniences of